One of the greatest natural attractions of St.
Lawrence County is the majestic waterfalls found throughout the area.
No matter what the season you can enjoy the falls where for over two hundred
years, area residents have built their homes and mills. They also have
been drawn to them for recreation and relaxation. Whether you swim, fish,
canoe, kayak, take photographs or hike near the waterfalls it is a trip
to be remembered. Whether alone or with your family each falls you see
will define a unique experience.
The rivers of St. Lawrence County have long
since been part of the life of the North Country. Villages were built
on shores for water supply, food and power. Old mill sites can be found
at both Twin and Harper Falls where only their foundations and the rock
walls formed to channel the water past the mill wheel remain. Many of
the mills were among the largest in New York. With the shift of the population
away from the falls, much of the land has been purchased by the State,
allowing easy and public access to the majority of the falls in St. Lawrence
County.
Each waterfall in the county has its own "personality".
If you visit the Tooley Pond Road section of the South Branch of the
Grasse River you will understand waterfall personality. There are six
major waterfalls, all completely different in form as a response to erosion
of the unique geology of St. Lawrence County. During the last glacial
period, 15,000 years ago, the county was beneath a two-mile thick sheet
of ice. After the glaciers receded and topsoils were deposited, rivers
formed new channels flowing over rock ledges and creating the waterfalls
of today.
This Guide was created to give you assistance
in discovering the falls in St. Lawrence County. We have provided directions
and small maps to help locate the falls. Have fun discovering the natural
beauty of St. Lawrence County.
North Country Guide
Activities:
